George Mason University official logo

George Mason University

Fairfax, United States • Founded 1957 • QS 2027 #1001-1200

Updated Jun 2026 · Source: gmu.edu

Overview

Acronyms: GMU
Founded: 1957
Institution Type: University
Control Type: Public
Entity Type: Non-profit
Rankings:
QS World University Rankings 2027 #1001-1200 Times Higher Education 2026 #401-500 ARWU (Shanghai) 2026 #201-300 CWTS Leiden 2025 #761 SCImago 2026 #496
Motto: Freedom and Learning
Colours: Mason green and Mason gold
Mascot: The Patriot
George Mason University official logo

Established in 1957, the George Mason University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the suburban setting of the large town of Fairfax (population range of 10,000-49,999 inhabitants), Virginia.

Officially accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, George Mason University (GMU) is a very large-sized coeducational US higher education institution. George Mason University (GMU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.

This 67-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 90-99% making this US higher education organization a least selective institution.

International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.

GMU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

Geographic and contact information for George Mason University is listed below.

Address: 4400 University Drive
Postal Code: 22030-4444
Phone: +1 (703) 993 1000
Fax: +1 (703) 993 1002

Academic Details

George Mason University's academic profile in numbers is listed below.

Recognition: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Total Students: 27,752
Academic Staff Range: 1,500-1,999
Campus Setting: Suburban
Memberships & Networks
American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities (APLU) Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) National Athletic Association (NAA) National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Academic Structures

The academic units through which George Mason University delivers teaching are listed below.

Unit 11 items
  • Antonin Scalia Law School
  • College of Education and Human Development
  • College of Health and Human Services
  • College of Humanities and Social Sciences
  • College of Science
  • College of Visual and Performing Arts
  • Krasnow Institute for Advanced Study
  • Schar School of Policy and Government
  • School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution
  • School of Business]
  • Volgenau School of Engineering

Programs Offered

Every programme George Mason University currently runs, grouped by degree level and searchable.

266 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United States

Bachelor's Degree 71 programmes

Bachelor's Degree in Accounting and Related Services
Accounting
Bachelor's Degree in Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Bachelor's Degree in Anthropology
Social & Cultural Studies
Bachelor's Degree in Area Studies
Social & Cultural Studies
Bachelor's Degree in Astronomy and Astrophysics
Physics & Astronomy
Bachelor's Degree in Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
Climate Studies & Meteorology
Bachelor's Degree in Biology, General
Biological Sciences
Bachelor's Degree in Biomedical/Medical Engineering
Bio & Biomedical Engineering
Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Management and Operations
Business Administration
Bachelor's Degree in Business/Commerce, General
Business Administration

Showing 10 of 71.

Master's Degree 83 programmes

Master's Degree in Accounting and Related Services
Accounting
Master's Degree in Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Master's Degree in Anthropology
Social & Cultural Studies
Master's Degree in Area Studies
Social & Cultural Studies
Master's Degree in Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management
Media Management
Master's Degree in Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
Climate Studies & Meteorology
Master's Degree in Biology, General
Biological Sciences
Master's Degree in Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
Biological Sciences
Master's Degree in Biomedical/Medical Engineering
Bio & Biomedical Engineering
Master's Degree in Business Administration, Management and Operations
Business Administration

Showing 10 of 83.

Doctorate 36 programmes

Doctorate in Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
Climate Studies & Meteorology
Doctorate in Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
Biochemistry
Doctorate in Biological and Physical Sciences
Liberal Arts
Doctorate in Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
Biological Sciences
Doctorate in Biomedical/Medical Engineering
Bio & Biomedical Engineering
Doctorate in Civil Engineering
Civil Engineering & Construction
Doctorate in Computer and Information Sciences, General
Computer Sciences
Doctorate in Criminal Justice and Corrections
Criminal Law & Justice
Doctorate in Economics
Economics
Doctorate in Education, General
Education & Teaching

Showing 10 of 36.

Professional Doctorate 1 programme

Professional Doctorate in Law
Law

Certificate 4 programmes

Certificate in Accounting and Related Services
Accounting
Certificate in Biology, General
Biological Sciences
Certificate in Computer and Information Sciences, General
Computer Sciences
Certificate in Fine and Studio Arts
Visual Arts

Postgraduate Certificate 71 programmes

Postgraduate Certificate in Accounting and Related Services
Accounting
Postgraduate Certificate in Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering
Aerospace & Automotive Engineering
Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Mathematics
Mathematics
Postgraduate Certificate in Area Studies
Social & Cultural Studies
Postgraduate Certificate in Biology, General
Biological Sciences
Postgraduate Certificate in Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
Biological Sciences
Postgraduate Certificate in Business Administration, Management and Operations
Business Administration
Postgraduate Certificate in Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
Molecular Biology
Postgraduate Certificate in Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
Clinical Psychology
Postgraduate Certificate in Cognitive Science
Liberal Arts

Showing 10 of 71.

How to apply to George Mason University

A five-step guide to applying to George Mason University.

  1. 1
    Research programmes at George Mason University

    Use the programme finder to browse George Mason University's 266 active programmes. Filter by keyword or scan by degree level. Read curriculum details on each programme's dedicated page if available.

  2. 2
    Review admissions criteria

    Programme-level requirements at George Mason University typically include academic transcripts, language proficiency proof, identity documents, and a personal statement or interview. Confirm specific requirements with the admissions office.

  3. 3
    Gather supporting documents

    Prepare academic transcripts, ID/passport copies, language proficiency proof, a personal statement, and reference letters. International candidates may need apostilled or notarised translations — start early to avoid deadline pressure.

  4. 4
    Lodge your application

    George Mason University processes applications through www.gmu.edu. Create an account, fill out the application form, and submit your documents. Note application deadlines, which vary by intake and programme.

  5. 5
    Confirm receipt and track progress

    Confirm receipt of your application with the admissions office and keep an eye on your portal for status changes. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (703) 993 1000. Quick responses to any follow-up requests keep your application moving smoothly through the review process.

Frequently Asked Questions about George Mason University

Quick reference for George Mason University: founding, control type, and recognition status.

How old is George Mason University?

The institution opened in 1957 (approximately 69 years ago).

Where can I find George Mason University?

The institution is located in Fairfax, United States.

Is George Mason University public or private?

George Mason University is a public institution.

How many students does George Mason University have?

The institution has a student body of 27,752.

Where does George Mason University stand in university rankings?

George Mason University holds rank QS 2027 #1001-1200.

How is George Mason University organised academically?

George Mason University is organised into 11 academic units across its disciplines.

Who recognises George Mason University?

Yes, George Mason University is recognised by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

What is George Mason University's official website?

You can find George Mason University online at www.gmu.edu.

Top-Ranked Universities in the United States

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Members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

These universities are also members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

Faculties at nearby universities

Also in Fairfax: universities located close to George Mason University.

Where Else to Study Liberal Arts

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